The Cleveland Browns are serious in turning around the fate of their franchise after being very active on the very first day of free agency in the National Football League (NFL) acquiring a pair of defensive gems in linebacker Karlos Dansby and safety Donte Whitner.

Dansby, who had a good year with the Arizona Cardinals in the 2013-2014 season, is set to receive a $24 million for four years from the Browns.

Whitner, who played for the San Francisco 49ers the last three years, will get $28M in the same span.

The Browns released veteran linebacker D’Qwell Jackson, who has signed with the Indianapolis Colts, earlier this week. Dansby’s contract was more expensive than Jackson with $14M guaranteed in the deal.

Whitner was part of the Pro Bowl selection twice in his stint with San Francisco.

Cleveland went 4-12 in 2013-2014 and was 8th in passing yards allowed (221.1/game) and 18th in rushing yards allowed (111.3/game).